Creative Advent 2008: Megan Slabinski

The best career advice I’ve ever received came to me from a direct supervisor when I was in my first management position. I had been working for the organization for almost two years when I was promoted to lead a team of four. My manager pulled me aside at the end of what had been a very long, hectic day dealing with a challenging client. She said to me, “Tough day, huh?” I agreed and began to lament the trials and tribulations of my experience, assuming that was why she had approached me.

Projecting the Appropriate Message

To my surprise, she cut me short and let me know that she was sorry for the difficult situation I had faced, but more importantly she wanted to talk to me about my demeanor and how I represented the challenge back to my team. She said, “Remember, as a manager people take their cues from you. From the time you walk in the door until you leave at night, you are the greatest show on earth. Everyone looks to you to see how to behave and respond in any given situation. You need to ensure that you reflect back to the team the characteristics and attitude that you want from them.”

Although seemingly obvious, it was advice no one had ever shared with me up to that point in my career. As I became more aware, I realized the team would feed off of my energy – positively and negatively – and that in order to have the highest functioning and productive staff, it often took a little more effort on my part.

Now, I have built in “gut checks” throughout the day to see where my head is and ensure that I’m reflecting a positive and purposeful attitude. I sometimes have to drive around the block a time or two more before entering the office in the morning to clear away any issues that might be plaguing me, but when you bring positive energy to the office, it pays off, both in terms of increased camaraderie and productivity. Since that day, my responsibilities have grown considerably. But I still carry that simple advice with me, and it continues to serve me well.

Guest Author Bio

Megan Slabinski is executive director of The Creative Group, a staffing service that specializes in placing creative professionals in freelance and full-time positions.